Once seated, he explained carefully, “We received a report about a serious accident involving your wife. The car was registered in her name, and her belongings were found at the scene. However, it appears someone went to great lengths to create a diversion here.”

“A diversion?” I echoed, trying to wrap my head around the events.

“Yes,” he confirmed. “It’s possible someone intended to keep you occupied, or to mislead us, while they staged an accident elsewhere. We need to verify her whereabouts and ensure her safety.”

The world as I knew it was unraveling. My thoughts were a chaotic mix of fear, confusion, and disbelief. “But why would anyone do this?”

“We’re investigating all possibilities, including foul play,” he replied gravely. “For now, we need your cooperation and any information you might have.”

I nodded, though my mind was miles away. My wife’s safety, the mannequin, the accident—it all felt like a surreal nightmare. I had to find her, to know she was safe, to understand why this was happening.

As the officer began asking questions, I resolved to do whatever it took to uncover the truth and bring my wife home. The mannequin was a grotesque reminder that beneath the surface of normalcy, darkness could lurk, waiting to strike when least expected.